Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson for May 26, 2014

Rest In Peace, our Heroes.

Find joy in lifeHonor those who gave theirs so you couldNever lightly throw their lives awayKeep faith

One aspect of the intended purpose was to keep it a little distant from militarism. May 30th was chosen because there were no significant Civil War battles fought on that day. It’s not supposed to be so much about the military aspect, yet I just saw some special TV programs essentially glorifying war. They are treating it more like Veterans Day.

http://news.yahoo.com/memorial-day-7-historical-facts-holiday-143814167.html

This is why I think we should make this holiday Veteran’s Day, and remember our fallen on November 11, like Canada does with Remembrance Day. That day is solemn, sacred, and its true meaning is observed by a far wider portion of the population than Memorial Day is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j8mr-gcgoI

Amen

very good!

Thank you.

Thank you for the speech.

I don’t believe Clark’s comments – a quotation from an American general – are bluster and rhetoric. They are words spoken by a soldier who had sent his men to their deaths. If General Butler didn’t know what he was talking about, nobody ever will.

I repeat my comment from yesterday: We are all getting older. But on this Memorial Day weekend, let’s think of those who are not.

War creates destruction and more war. Peace is created by adults acting as such.

Children do not know actual history and just repeat mistakes over and over. And are proud of it.

I disagree with J-B; we should keep things as they are. Up until the 1960’s, Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day in memory of those who died defending the U.S. And, to this day the U.S. Military decorates the graves of those who served and are buried in the national cemeteries. Also this is the only day where the U.S. flag is at half-staff until noon in memory of those who died defending our country.On the other hand, November 11 was known as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War 1. I can remember when it was celebrated in the 1950’s with a moment of silence at 11:00AM on November 11, while I was in grade school. Now its proper observance as Veteran’s Day, in honor of those who are living and have served is entirely appropriate. (Note: I am a veteran having served in Vietnam.)

Thanks, Clark Kent. I’d like to add to that Eisenhower’s 1960 warning about the Military-Industrial complex. Its part 4 of the speech here:http://coursesa.matrix.msu.edu/~hst306/documents/indust.html

Clark Kent Just wondering from what liberal professor did you hear that

How about just saying remember those who gave all, instead of the rant that ruins a day of remembrance. I don’t agree with war, but that is not the point of today.

Today I shall remember my fellow military service members that gave all so that we may have what we have today. R.I.P my brothers and sisters in arms. Thank you and God Speed.

Thank you for your comment Clark Kent. It is also worth pointing out that General Butler was one of only nineteen men in American history to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor twice. He was a true hero.

Clark Kent what liberal collage did you hear that from.

Enjoy our freedom…..it was hard earned…..

CLARK KENT, the part where the general points out hitler is a threat to peace shows the problem with peace at any cost. Hitler was warlessly rounding up people to gas and throw in the ovens. until someone fought back, there was no war. many wars make nobody rich, they are just the expressions of hatred. Thus your general was too general in his claim regarding the causes and costs of war and the benefits of letting the conquerers have their way.

It is very unfortunate that sometimes the only way to deal with self aggrandizing megalomaniacs who rise to positions of power and influence is to meet force with force. If by chance they believe in their cause it does not excuse their actions. It just means that they are lying to themselves as well as to there followers.The world today and any other day is composed of many shades of black and gray with an occasional glimpse of white. So any position may be argued with varying percentages of truth from either side.The fact that there are people who through the purest motives and beliefs will give their all to stand and fight for their people and countries is an expression of the human spirit that is to be admired and remembered with thankfulness from those of us who are not gone.Bless them, everyone.

Today, I remember many members of my family who gave their all for this country. I especially miss my dad who fought in 3 wars/conflicts in his lengthy career in the USAF. I also THANK every person who ever fought in any capacity to ensure our freedoms.

Arlo’s toast is the perfect summation of today. It touched my heart, put a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. I know the day was meant to remember those who died fighting in war, but in our family we used it to remember all loved ones who were no longer here.

Diplomacy depends on both sides speaking in good faith. The current crop of despots, especially the religious fanatics, have no qualms about lying to reach their goals. A ready weapon is as necessary as an open hand. Everything we in the US enjoy is because of our Military facing down despots.Never forget their sacrifices.

This @*&%$^ page keeps clipping my comment short. Is anyone else having problems?

Once again, many have fallen into the “either, or” trap.

1. War is a racket. It has a history of boosting the economy.

2 War is sometimes necessary.

“How many of these war millionaires shouldered a rifle? How many of them dug a trench? How many of them knew what it meant to go hungry in a rat-infested dug-out? How many of them spent sleepless, frightened nights, ducking shells and shrapnel and machine gun bullets? How many of them parried a bayonet thrust of an enemy? How many of them were wounded or killed in battle?”-How many skipped to France?Or the Air National Guard?Or had “other priorities”?

I was going to point that out, but didn’t want to clutter my post.

I don’t understand economics so well, but it does seem that its structure must have somehow changed in the last half century or so. Maybe it has to do with the fact that we now outsource so much to other countries. War used to generate jobs, if sometimes only after the end of hostilities. My guess is that now our war efforts are benefiting other countries, such as China.

Thanks for the clarification.

There are a few things socialists and us libertarians can agree on, war is one of them, corporate welfare is another.

I thought this was supposed to be a quiet day of remembering, not a day for throwing bricks. Labor Day OK?

I suspect that it says that human nature never changes.That the only thing that has changed in 5000 or so years, that with todays communications, we find out about it more so than then. (and sooner)(sometimes)

If someone is trying to kill you, you want him to fail.You do not want company when you die.You want to not die.If someone else can keep you from dying by making you a reliable weapon to kill or otherwise stop the wouldbe killer, that is what you want.Or you can gripe they were paid to keep you alive rather than dying with you.